Duggs and Mickey are in for 2019

25.03.19 14:02

The ThunderW list continues to build with key players and Darwin Buffettes’ stalwarts, Kylie Duggan and Machaelia Roberts the next two players to commit to the club.

Today’s announcement comes on the same day as the first training session for the Darwin-based ThunderW squad, with Duggan and Roberts both due to play their second season in the VFL Women’s competition.

Roberts played 11 games and kicked four goals for the club in 2018, while Duggan amassed 10 games and three goals in her first VFLW season.

Both integral members of the Darwin Buffettes’ 2016/17 NTFL Women’s Premier League premiership team, Roberts is known for her ability to attract the ball and her lightning speed. A player who has polled consistently in the last few Gwynne Medal counts, she won the Darwin Buffettes’ women’s best and fairest award the past two seasons, which took her total to four overall.

Duggan, who is well known and respected for her basketball achievements, is the consummate professional on and off the field and is no stranger to individual footy accolades herself. She was voted by the coaches as the NTFL Women’s Premier League MVP in 2017/18 while finishing runner-up (behind Roberts) in her club best and fairest in the same season. In 2018/19 she captained the Buffs for the first time and collected the team’s Players’ Player Award along the way.

Duggan and Roberts are just two of the mums in the ThunderW squad, who balance Thunder commitments with family, work and other aspirations.

ThunderW Head Coach, Heidi Thompson said what impressed her most about Roberts was her pace and intent, labelling her speed ‘ridiculous’;

“Mickey is an elusive and crafty small forward who loves to take the game on by using her speed, which is her number one weapon.

“Her strong left foot kick saw her get out of trouble on many occasions in the NTFL season and I’m looking forward to seeing her use this ridiculous speed and agility to exit many contests throughout the VFLW season.”

On Duggan, Thompson spoke admiringly about her athleticism and skill.

“Kylie is an elite athlete who knows what it takes to perform at the highest level. She transfers her basketball skills across to football well with her huge tank to get to each contest and ability to anticipate the next play.

“She usually plays as an outside midfielder in NTFL, where she has demonstrated excellent decision-making skills but also loves to sit a kick behind the play to intercept off half back, which will come in handy this VFLW season,” she said.

Training for the ThunderW squad starts tonight, Monday 25 March 2019, with more player signings to be announced over the coming weeks.

The Duggan and Roberts kids are signed up as Cracka Club and junior members! Will you join them? Visit: www.ntthunder.com.au/membership to become a Thunder member in 2019 so you can support our VFLW and NEAFL teams.

Round 1 of the Swisse Wellness VFLW season is Sunday 12 May against Hawthorn at Box Hill City Oval.